About the role
We are currently seeking an experienced Head of Scenic Art to join the Opera Australia Technical team, based at The Opera Centre in Surry Hills. In this role, you will leverage your extensive experience as a Head of Scenic Art or equivalent, along with a deep understanding of the operational intricacies of theatrical production.
Reporting to the Workshop Manager, the Head of Scenic Art will oversee, coordinate, and manage all scenic art elements, including both soft and hard sets, as well as refurbishments across Opera Australia's repertoire of productions. This role is integral to translating the Designer's scenic concepts into tangible realities for each production.
Key Areas of focus
Scenic Art Production
Work closely with designers and directors to understand their design concept and advise on the correct process to achieve desired effects
Responsible for the Scenic finishing for scenery and large props for new productions and revivals for all OA projects
Researching the best materials to use to realise the creative vision in collaboration with the creatives
Provide samples of scenic finishes to designers to help realise the creative vision in a cost-effective manner
Create estimates and manage budgets for all productions
Ensure that the budget is adhered to
Manage staff levels to ensure all manufacturing deadlines are met
Keep up with the latest international industry developments in scenic art
Administration
Managing time sheets for all scenic staff
Monitoring Scenic art budgets
Ordering materials using the purchasing order system (IPOS)
Ensure paint stock is managed and up to date
Reconciling company credit card
Team Leadership
Supervise and mentor Scenic art staff
Communicate direction and a clear vision of success
Inspire and motivate the team
Providing the scenic art team with professional advice, guidance and help in solving technical problems to enable them to perform their jobs effectively
Resolve technical problems and staff conflicts to promote the team's productivity, quality, standards and wellbeing
Generate confidence in the team and empower them
Manage scenic art staff in regard to personal development, morale, skill development, productivity and efficiency
Work Health and Safety & Compliance
Follow all Work Health and Safety policies and guidelines
Undertake any other duties as required, which are within the limits of the employee's skill, competence, and training.
Ensure all necessary licenses and safety certificates are acquired and kept valid and up to date
About you
We are seeking candidates who have high level problem solving and judgement skills, as well as leadership and influence skills. You will have advanced attention to detail, as well as time management.
You will have:
10+ years' scenic art skills across all disciplines of scenic art
Demonstrate an understanding of the operational requirements of a Theatrical production
Excellent organisation and communication skills, written and verbal
Staging experience
Demonstrated ability to work with creative and technical personnel and performers
Ability to work under pressure, using tact, diplomacy, and flexibility
An understanding of repertory production and Staging Practices.
Intermediate MS office skills including Excel, Outlook
It is preferred you have
Management experience
Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator skills
Understanding of the operation of laser cutting machine (to cut stencils/patterns)
Appointment to this position is subject to the position holder having residency status and/or possessing a visa with work rights or Opera Australia will aim to support all visa nomination requirements if you are applying from overseas.
What we offer
Being Australia's National opera company, we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Brave, and Inclusive, and we are dedicated to supporting your journey at OA.
Strong diversity and inclusion priority
Generous Leave Policy including First Nation's Cultural & Ceremonial Leave, Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave, Education Leave, Women's Health Leave, Gender Affirmation Leave, and more
Employee Assistance Program
Employee discounts through our Swag Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses
Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows
If this sounds like you then please send through your CV and cover letter via apply now.
For any enquiries about this role, or a copy of the full position description please contact our People team at
Opera Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team come from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences, life experiences, self-expression, and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera Australia. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression.
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